CliFF the Failed Troll: (Warning: There Be Pirates in This Book!) (A Kids Book About Being Different)

by Barbara Davis-Pyles, Justin Hillgrove (Illustrator)

Overview

This sweet and funny story is about feeling different and embracing who we are.

A fun and original story by Barbara Davis-Pyles, author of Grizzly Boy and Stubby the Fearless Squid, about a troll named Cliff who isn't very good at sitting still or being a "proper" troll. He'd much rather be a pirate anyway!

"Ahoy!" he shouts upon meeting other trolls, who then remind him that the proper troll hello is "Go away!" After a report card full of Fs in bridge building, stoney staring, and even goat gobbling (he's a vegetarian!), Cliff sets off for pirate school.

But are things different for him there? Aye, that they arrrre!

This humorous story is about appreciating who we are and knowing there is a place where we fit in the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632172464
Publisher:	Blue Star Press
Publication date:	01/19/2021
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.79(w) x 11.13(h) x 0.35(d)
Lexile:	AD530L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

BARBARA DAVIS-PYLES, author of Grizzly Boy and Stubby the Fearless Squid, has written hundreds of fiction and nonfiction pieces for the children's education market. In addition to her curriculum-based work, she helped create A Day in the Meadow (with composer Frederick Frahm), a pipe organ demonstrator for children (Wayne Leupold Editions, 2006). When Barbara's not writing, she can be found hiking, biking, or packing for a road trip. She lives in the northwest corner of Washington State with her family. Find out more at BarbaraDavisPyles.com.

JUSTIN HILLGROVE is a Pacific Northwest artist who loves painting monsters, robots, and other such nonsense, and has worked on everything from comics and toys to tabletop games. Justin lives in Snohomish, Washington with his wife, four kids, some chickens and ducks, a rabbit, and a dozen or so imaginary friends. Learn more about Justin at ImpsandMonsters.com

Editorial Reviews

"Inspiration for anyone hoping to find a crew of foulmouthed, barnacle-laden, sea dogs of their very own."—Kirkus Reviews

"This humorous and heartwarming book is all about feeling different and embracing our true selves."—

"Cliff the Failed Troll is a sweet story about pursuing what one wants. It is about not being squeezed into a lifestyle you have little interest in or are bored with. It is about seeking adventure and pursuing the things and a life you love."—Picture Book Builders blog

From the Publisher

2020-11-18
Self-actualization for this chipper bridge dweller comes when he trades goats for glory.

Failure comes in many forms. Cliff, alas, has mastered them all. He may be green and somewhat rectangular in shape, but at troll school, he’s just the worst. Everything—his demeanor, his singing, his vegetarianism—rankles his teacher and classmates. Ready to try something new, Cliff high-tails it to pirate school instead. Though it fits his personality to a T, the work is tough, and the little troll lives in fear of his next report card. Fortunately, when you love what you’re doing, that can make all the difference. There are smidgens of cleverness hidden in the margins of this seemingly simple tale. Jokes like one troll saying, “Trolls are landlubbers,” followed by “YEAH! We lub the land!” hit the spot. Likewise, while the cartoon art remains bubbly and cheery, it isn’t afraid to slip in the occasional “tibi ipsi esto fidelis” (“to thine own self be true”) hidden on a bridge for kicks. Cliff’s awakening isn’t granted without hard work on his part, an idea that has broad application. Even dreams must be earned.

Inspiration for anyone hoping to find a crew of foulmouthed, barnacle-laden sea dogs of their very own. (Picture book. 4-6)

Kirkus Reviews